Ideas Why PEI cares more than any other province about voting
Aug 27, 2025
Join Ed MacDonald, a political historian, Sarah Outram, an advocate for women's political participation, and Kerry Campbell, a seasoned provincial reporter, as they dive into PEI's unique voting culture. They discuss how personal connections between voters and politicians lead to high turnout. The guests highlight the importance of civic education, challenges of misinformation, and efforts to engage youth in politics. With a history of significant electoral outcomes determined by razor-thin margins, PEI showcases democracy in action, inspiring higher civic involvement across Canada.
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Voting By Candlelight During A Hurricane
- Islanders voted during Hurricane Juan in 2003 and turnout was 85% despite power outages.
- Many voted by candlelight, showing voting's deep local commitment.
Small Size Makes Votes Personal
- PEI's small size creates a personal connection between voters and MLAs who handle everyday issues.
- That intimacy makes voting feel directly relevant to people's lives.
Lopsided Results Spark Reform Attempts
- Repeated lopsided results under first-past-the-post drove PEI to repeatedly attempt electoral reform.
- Voters felt unfairness when significant vote shares produced few or no seats.